The Committee
In 1983, Mrs Mikie Maas OAM PHF, a post-war immigrant driven by a deep love for literature, founded the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society Inc. She was joined by passionate volunteer judges Rosemary Dobson, Joan Phipson, and local poet Anne Bell. Together, they set out to honour Dorothea Mackellar’s enduring impact on Australian literature.
The Society’s committee brings together eight dedicated local volunteers alongside two representatives from Gunnedah Shire Council, reflecting a strong partnership between the community and local government.
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Rebecca Ryan | President
Rebecca is passionate about her local community and has demonstrated this through a 15-year plus involvement in community cultural development.
Rebecca’s passion has always been community arts and she was a key volunteer member of the Two Rivers Arts Council in Gunnedah during the late 1990s and early 2000s producing and directing community theatre and working on Gunnedah’s annual Two Rivers Arts Festival.
In her role as Director of the Gunnedah Conservatorium, Rebecca oversees the Conservatorium’s successful application for triennial funding and has steered the organisation through a period of huge growth with the organisation’s level of activity more than doubling though increased individual tuitiona as well as school and community programs and an annual concert series.
Pip Murray | Vice President
Pip Murray has been a long-serving member of the Dorothea Mackellar Memorial Society and served as President of the Society in previous years. With a background in journalism and a former magazine editor, Pip has a wealth of knowledge and appreciation of the arts.
She’s an advocate for Dorothea’s legacy and has described the Dorothea Mackellar Poetry Awards as a “way of fostering and encouraging poetry and creative writing among school children as well as a love of country.”
We’re very lucky to have such an experienced woman as spokesperson for our cause, and of course for Dorothea and her immortal poetry.
Sue Houston | Secretary
Suzanne is a English teacher based in Orange, NSW.
Between 2018 – 2020, Suzanne lived and worked in Turkiye, teaching English. During this time she travelled extensively throughout the country and visiting many amazing historical sites.
On returning to Australia, she started her boutique tours & turkish towels business “Turkish Treasures Tours and Towels”. The tours encompass many aspects of Turkish history, culture and lifestyle.
Community members | Susan Wilson and Susie Lyle
Gunnedah Shire Council delegates | Councillor Ann Luke and Nikki Robertson
Peter Wills | Treasurer
Vanessa Tiernan | Executive Officer
With more than 20 years immersed in community engagement, event coordination, and project management, Vanessa has become known for her visionary approach and her knack for bringing transformative projects to life.
Her dedication shines through her roles as Secretary and Treasurer for her local business group, as well as her leadership in orchestrating Avalon Market Day, Sydney’s largest and most vibrant market event.